20-Hydroxyecdysone

20-Hydroxyecdysone (ecdysterone or 20E) is a naturally occurring ecdysteroidhormone which controls the ecdysis (moulting) and metamorphosis of arthropods. It is therefore one of the most common moulting hormones in insects, crabs, etc. A phytoecdysteroid produced by and extracted from various plants, including Cyanotis vaga, Ajuga turkestanica and Rhaponticum carthamoides, it is thought to be a plant defense against herbivory that disrupts the reproduction of insect pests. In arthropods, 20-hydroxyecdysone acts through the ecdysone receptor. Although mammals (including humans) lack this receptor, 20-hydroxyecdysone affects mammalian biological systems. 20-Hydroxyecdysone is an ingredient of some supplements that aim to enhance physical performance. In mammals, it is hypothesized to bind to the estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) protein.